Team

The vision of 480 Biomedical – to Transform Medicine with Materials – was conceived by Scientific Founders, George Whitesides of Harvard and Robert Langer of MIT. This vision is brought to reality by a cross-functional, interdisciplinary team who together in an extremely dynamic and fast-paced environment to address chronic disease that significantly impact patients’ quality of life.

Maria Palasis, Ph.D.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Maria Palasis brings 23 years of medical device and combination product experience to 480 Biomedical. Under her leadership, 480 Biomedical has transitioned multiple programs into the clinic. In 2008 she joined Arsenal Medical, where she was Executive VP and Chief Technology Officer. Earlier in her career, Maria was R&D director at Boston Scientific, where she managed a portfolio of external biotech and medical device investments. Maria was an early member of the team that created the TAXUS® drug-eluting stent, the single most important revenue generator for Boston Scientific at $3B/year. She held a number of positions within Boston Scientific that included directing the development of combination therapies and managing strategic biotech partnerships. Maria received her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and she held a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. Maria is an inventor on more than 120 issued and pending patents.

Maria Palasis brings 23 years of medical device and combination product experience to 480 Biomedical. Under her leadership, 480 Biomedical has transitioned multiple programs into the clinic. In 2008 she joined Arsenal Medical, where she was Executive VP and Chief Technology Officer. Earlier in her career, Maria was R&D director at Boston Scientific, where she managed a portfolio of external biotech and medical device investments. Maria was an early member of the team that created the TAXUS® drug-eluting stent, the single most important revenue generator for Boston Scientific at $3B/year. She held a number of positions within Boston Scientific that included directing the development of combination therapies and managing strategic biotech partnerships. Maria received her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and she held a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. Maria is an inventor on more than 120 issued and pending patents.

Robert Solomon

Vice President of Finance

Robert Solomon has 20 years of experience in finance and accounting leadership in the life sciences industry. Prior to 480 Biomedical, he was Vice President of Finance for GI Dynamics, Inc. In this role, Robert was responsible for accounting, SEC and ASX reporting, financial planning, tax compliance, risk management and treasury. Robert held senior finance roles at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Targanta Therapeutics, Therion Biologics and Aspect Medical Systems. Robert holds an M.B.A. from the Stern School of Business at New York University and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.

Robert Solomon has 20 years of experience in finance and accounting leadership in the life sciences industry. Prior to 480 Biomedical, he was Vice President of Finance for GI Dynamics, Inc. In this role, Robert was responsible for accounting, SEC and ASX reporting, financial planning, tax compliance, risk management and treasury. Robert held senior finance roles at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Targanta Therapeutics, Therion Biologics and Aspect Medical Systems. Robert holds an M.B.A. from the Stern School of Business at New York University and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.

Upma Sharma, Ph.D.

Vice President of Research & Development

Upma Sharma is Vice President of Research and Development at 480 Biomedical. Upma has advanced the company’s innovative drug delivery depot from concept to the clinic. Upma has led programs from concept to the clinic, including management of the product development process, contract manufacturing, and GMP transfer for combination products and medical devices. She has also led regulatory approvals enabling clinical studies in four countries including an IDE approval and is managing clinical studies including a Phase I study outside of US and pivotal study within US. Upma earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University in Chemical Engineering and a B.S.E. with Honors from Purdue University. During a post-doctoral fellowship in Bioengineering at Rice University, Upma was awarded a NIH Training Grant in Nanobiology. Upma has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific publications and is an inventor on more than 40 issued or pending patents worldwide, including 20 US issued patents.

Upma Sharma is Vice President of Research and Development at 480 Biomedical. Upma has advanced the company’s innovative drug delivery depot from concept to the clinic. Upma has led programs from concept to the clinic, including management of the product development process, contract manufacturing, and GMP transfer for combination products and medical devices. She has also led regulatory approvals enabling clinical studies in four countries including an IDE approval and is managing clinical studies including a Phase I study outside of US and pivotal study within US. Upma earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University in Chemical Engineering and a B.S.E. with Honors from Purdue University. During a post-doctoral fellowship in Bioengineering at Rice University, Upma was awarded a NIH Training Grant in Nanobiology. Upma has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific publications and is an inventor on more than 40 issued or pending patents worldwide, including 20 US issued patents.

Corinne Noyes

Commercial Strategy

Corinne Noyes, has over twenty years of strategic and commercial experience in pharmaceutical development and healthcare management. Corinne has provided commercial leadership to emerging life sciences companies as an advisor to executive leadership teams and boards of early-stage biotechnology ventures She has experience across numerous therapeutic areas, shaping and guiding commercial strategy at all stages of the product development life cycle to maximize the commercial potential of therapeutic assets for business development transactions or initial public offerings. Corinne has held various commercial positions at Biogen in new product planning, strategic planning, and in marketing and business development. Corinne began her career in healthcare in the New York pharmaceutical practice of Deloitte Management Consulting where for four years she was responsible for leading engagements at several major global pharmaceutical companies. Corinne holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Corinne Noyes, has over twenty years of strategic and commercial experience in pharmaceutical development and healthcare management. Corinne has provided commercial leadership to emerging life sciences companies as an advisor to executive leadership teams and boards of early-stage biotechnology ventures She has experience across numerous therapeutic areas, shaping and guiding commercial strategy at all stages of the product development life cycle to maximize the commercial potential of therapeutic assets for business development transactions or initial public offerings. Corinne has held various commercial positions at Biogen in new product planning, strategic planning, and in marketing and business development. Corinne began her career in healthcare in the New York pharmaceutical practice of Deloitte Management Consulting where for four years she was responsible for leading engagements at several major global pharmaceutical companies. Corinne holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Don Burstyn, Ph.D.

Regulatory Strategy

Don G. Burstyn, an independent advisor, has over 25 years of experience managing regulatory and quality assurance efforts for a wide range of pharmaceutical products. He has participated in the development of over 30 clinical products, including proteins, peptides, and small molecules. Don served as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Altus and Alkermes. At Alkeremes, Don was responsible for leading the activities related to the approvals of Nutropin Depot and Risperdal Consta. Don also held a number of positions at Biogen, Inc. and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Don has served on various committees for both the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). Don received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Maryland.

Don G. Burstyn, an independent advisor, has over 25 years of experience managing regulatory and quality assurance efforts for a wide range of pharmaceutical products. He has participated in the development of over 30 clinical products, including proteins, peptides, and small molecules. Don served as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Altus and Alkermes. At Alkeremes, Don was responsible for leading the activities related to the approvals of Nutropin Depot and Risperdal Consta. Don also held a number of positions at Biogen, Inc. and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Don has served on various committees for both the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). Don received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Maryland.

Danny Concagh

Senior Director, Chemistry and Pilot Manufacturing

Danny Concagh is Senior Director of Chemistry and Pilot Manufacturing at 480 Biomedical. At 480 Biomedical, he led the discovery and development of several drug delivery combination products. In addition, he has established 480 Biomedical’s pilot manufacturing facility located in Watertown, MA. In total, Danny has over 22 years of industrial experience in the Pharmaceutical, Biotech and Medical Device industries. Prior to 480 Biomedical, he has held positions at Copley Pharmaceuticals, GelTex Pharmaceuticals and Genzyme. At GelTex Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Genzyme in 2000 for $1.1B) he was instrumental in the discovery and development of several oral non-systemic polymeric drugs. Mr. Concagh is an inventor on 16 issued or pending patents and holds an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Danny Concagh is Senior Director of Chemistry and Pilot Manufacturing at 480 Biomedical. At 480 Biomedical, he led the discovery and development of several drug delivery combination products. In addition, he has established 480 Biomedical’s pilot manufacturing facility located in Watertown, MA. In total, Danny has over 22 years of industrial experience in the Pharmaceutical, Biotech and Medical Device industries. Prior to 480 Biomedical, he has held positions at Copley Pharmaceuticals, GelTex Pharmaceuticals and Genzyme. At GelTex Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Genzyme in 2000 for $1.1B) he was instrumental in the discovery and development of several oral non-systemic polymeric drugs. Mr. Concagh is an inventor on 16 issued or pending patents and holds an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Barry Shaw

Senior Director of Quality

Barry has worked in the medical device and biotechnology/pharmaceutical industries for over 20 years in Quality Control and Quality Assurance roles. Prior to joining 480 Biomedical, Barry was at Boston Scientific where he was responsible for the development of the analytical quality system supporting the successful launch of Boston Scientific’s drug eluting stent. Additionally, Barry has had Quality leadership roles at several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies including Creative Biomolecules, AIR (Alkermes), and Sepracor supporting the development of clinical and commercial product. Barry has extensive experience developing and implementing quality systems to support the manufacture and analytical characterization of clinical trial and commercial product. Barry has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Delaware.

Barry has worked in the medical device and biotechnology/pharmaceutical industries for over 20 years in Quality Control and Quality Assurance roles. Prior to joining 480 Biomedical, Barry was at Boston Scientific where he was responsible for the development of the analytical quality system supporting the successful launch of Boston Scientific’s drug eluting stent. Additionally, Barry has had Quality leadership roles at several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies including Creative Biomolecules, AIR (Alkermes), and Sepracor supporting the development of clinical and commercial product. Barry has extensive experience developing and implementing quality systems to support the manufacture and analytical characterization of clinical trial and commercial product. Barry has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Delaware.

Richard Mott

Chairman

Richard Mott is currently a principal in Walkabout Consulting LLC, a management consulting and private equity firm. Mr. Mott currently consults for Warburg Pincus as an Executive in Residence. Mr. Mott served as President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of Kyphon Inc., a NASDAQ-listed global medical device company focused on minimally invasive spinal therapies, through its acquisition by Medtronic, Inc. in late 2007. Prior to Kyphon, Mr. Mott held several executive positions, most recently as Chief Operating Officer at Wilson Greatbatch Technologies, Inc., a NYSE-listed medical technology company as well as executive operating roles within the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Mr. Mott is currently Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Microchips Biotech, Inc., a company based on micro reservoir technology incorporating long-term implantable drug delivery technologies; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Silk Road Medical, a company which uses surgical techniques to protect the brain from stroke risk during carotid artery stenting; Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Relievant Medsystems, a company using therapeutic nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain; and member of the Board of Directors of Treace Medical Concepts, a company focused on foot and ankle surgical products. Mr. Mott is a Director/Owner of VFD Technologies, a private equity firm that invests in, acquires and owns manufacturing businesses with unique technical capabilities that specialize in high performance materials.

Richard Mott is currently a principal in Walkabout Consulting LLC, a management consulting and private equity firm. Mr. Mott currently consults for Warburg Pincus as an Executive in Residence. Mr. Mott served as President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of Kyphon Inc., a NASDAQ-listed global medical device company focused on minimally invasive spinal therapies, through its acquisition by Medtronic, Inc. in late 2007. Prior to Kyphon, Mr. Mott held several executive positions, most recently as Chief Operating Officer at Wilson Greatbatch Technologies, Inc., a NYSE-listed medical technology company as well as executive operating roles within the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Mr. Mott is currently Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Microchips Biotech, Inc., a company based on micro reservoir technology incorporating long-term implantable drug delivery technologies; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Silk Road Medical, a company which uses surgical techniques to protect the brain from stroke risk during carotid artery stenting; Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Relievant Medsystems, a company using therapeutic nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain; and member of the Board of Directors of Treace Medical Concepts, a company focused on foot and ankle surgical products. Mr. Mott is a Director/Owner of VFD Technologies, a private equity firm that invests in, acquires and owns manufacturing businesses with unique technical capabilities that specialize in high performance materials.

George Whitesides, Ph.D.

Dr. Whitesides joined Harvard’s department of chemistry in 1982 and served as department chairman from 1986 to 1989. From 1963 to 1982, he was a faculty member at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Whitesides held advisory positions on the National Research Council, National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and he is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and the American Philosophical Society, among other organizations. He has received dozens of honors, including the American Chemical Society (ACS) Award in Pure Chemistry (1975), the Arthur C. Cope Award (1995), the DARPA Award for Significant Technical Achievement (1996), the National Medal of Science (1998), the Von Hippel Award (2000), the Kyoto Prize (2003), the Dan David Award (2005), the Welch Award (2005), the Priestley Award (2007), the American Institute of Chemists Gold Medal (2007), the Prince of Asturias Foundation Award (2008), the Nanoscience Prize (2008), the Wheland Medal (2008) and the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry (2009). In addition to 480 Biomedical, George is a co-founder of a number of companies including Genzyme, GelTex, Theravance and Arsenal Medical. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University in 1960 and a doctorate from the California Institute of Technology in 1964.

Dr. Whitesides joined Harvard’s department of chemistry in 1982 and served as department chairman from 1986 to 1989. From 1963 to 1982, he was a faculty member at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Whitesides held advisory positions on the National Research Council, National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and he is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and the American Philosophical Society, among other organizations. He has received dozens of honors, including the American Chemical Society (ACS) Award in Pure Chemistry (1975), the Arthur C. Cope Award (1995), the DARPA Award for Significant Technical Achievement (1996), the National Medal of Science (1998), the Von Hippel Award (2000), the Kyoto Prize (2003), the Dan David Award (2005), the Welch Award (2005), the Priestley Award (2007), the American Institute of Chemists Gold Medal (2007), the Prince of Asturias Foundation Award (2008), the Nanoscience Prize (2008), the Wheland Medal (2008) and the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry (2009). In addition to 480 Biomedical, George is a co-founder of a number of companies including Genzyme, GelTex, Theravance and Arsenal Medical. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University in 1960 and a doctorate from the California Institute of Technology in 1964.

Robert Langer, D.Sc.

Robert S. Langer is one of 14 Institute Professors (the highest honor awarded to a faculty member) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Langer has written approximately 1,130 articles. He also has approximately 800 issued and pending patents worldwide. Dr. Langer’s patents have been licensed or sublicensed more than 250 pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology and medical device companies. He is the most cited engineer in history. He served as a member of the U.S. FDA’s SCIENCE Board, the agency’s highest advisory board, from 1995-2002, and as its chairman from 1999-2002. Dr. Langer has received more than 200 major awards including the 2006 United States National Medal of Science; the Charles Stark Draper Prize, considered the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for engineers; and the 2008 Millennium Prize, the world’s largest technology prize. He is the only engineer to receive the Gairdner Foundation International Award; 76 recipients of this award have subsequently received a Nobel Prize. Among his multiple accolades, Forbes Magazine selected Dr. Langer as "one of the 15 innovators worldwide who will reinvent our future."

Robert S. Langer is one of 14 Institute Professors (the highest honor awarded to a faculty member) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Langer has written approximately 1,130 articles. He also has approximately 800 issued and pending patents worldwide. Dr. Langer’s patents have been licensed or sublicensed more than 250 pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology and medical device companies. He is the most cited engineer in history. He served as a member of the U.S. FDA’s SCIENCE Board, the agency’s highest advisory board, from 1995-2002, and as its chairman from 1999-2002. Dr. Langer has received more than 200 major awards including the 2006 United States National Medal of Science; the Charles Stark Draper Prize, considered the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for engineers; and the 2008 Millennium Prize, the world’s largest technology prize. He is the only engineer to receive the Gairdner Foundation International Award; 76 recipients of this award have subsequently received a Nobel Prize. Among his multiple accolades, Forbes Magazine selected Dr. Langer as "one of the 15 innovators worldwide who will reinvent our future."

Carmichael Roberts, Ph.D.

Carmichael Roberts joined North Bridge Venture Partners in 2007 where he focuses mainly on early-stage companies that make products using unique chemistry and materials inventions. Prior to North Bridge, Dr. Roberts co-founded and served as the president and chief executive officer of Arsenal Medical. Dr. Roberts has co-founded other ventures, including several focused on life sciences. In 1999, Dr. Roberts was named one of the world’s top 100 young entrepreneurs by MIT’s Technology Review. Prior to his entrepreneurial career, Dr. Roberts worked in business development at GelTex Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Genzyme for $1.3 billion, and in new product and business development at Dow Chemical (formerly Union Carbide Corporation). Dr. Roberts received his Bachelor of Science and doctorate in organic chemistry from Duke University, and he completed his postdoctoral National Science Foundation fellowship at Harvard University. Dr. Roberts also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the MIT Sloan School of Management. He serves as an advisor for MIT’s Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation, Harvard’s Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center and the schools of Science and Engineering at Duke University.

Carmichael Roberts joined North Bridge Venture Partners in 2007 where he focuses mainly on early-stage companies that make products using unique chemistry and materials inventions. Prior to North Bridge, Dr. Roberts co-founded and served as the president and chief executive officer of Arsenal Medical. Dr. Roberts has co-founded other ventures, including several focused on life sciences. In 1999, Dr. Roberts was named one of the world’s top 100 young entrepreneurs by MIT’s Technology Review. Prior to his entrepreneurial career, Dr. Roberts worked in business development at GelTex Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Genzyme for $1.3 billion, and in new product and business development at Dow Chemical (formerly Union Carbide Corporation). Dr. Roberts received his Bachelor of Science and doctorate in organic chemistry from Duke University, and he completed his postdoctoral National Science Foundation fellowship at Harvard University. Dr. Roberts also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the MIT Sloan School of Management. He serves as an advisor for MIT’s Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation, Harvard’s Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center and the schools of Science and Engineering at Duke University.

Maria Palasis, Ph.D.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Maria Palasis brings 23 years of medical device and combination product experience to 480 Biomedical. Under her leadership, 480 Biomedical has transitioned multiple programs into the clinic. In 2008 she joined Arsenal Medical, where she was Executive VP and Chief Technology Officer. Earlier in her career, Maria was R&D director at Boston Scientific, where she managed a portfolio of external biotech and medical device investments. Maria was an early member of the team that created the TAXUS® drug-eluting stent, the single most important revenue generator for Boston Scientific at $3B/year. She held a number of positions within Boston Scientific that included directing the development of combination therapies and managing strategic biotech partnerships. Maria received her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and she held a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. Maria is an inventor on more than 120 issued and pending patents.

Maria Palasis brings 23 years of medical device and combination product experience to 480 Biomedical. Under her leadership, 480 Biomedical has transitioned multiple programs into the clinic. In 2008 she joined Arsenal Medical, where she was Executive VP and Chief Technology Officer. Earlier in her career, Maria was R&D director at Boston Scientific, where she managed a portfolio of external biotech and medical device investments. Maria was an early member of the team that created the TAXUS® drug-eluting stent, the single most important revenue generator for Boston Scientific at $3B/year. She held a number of positions within Boston Scientific that included directing the development of combination therapies and managing strategic biotech partnerships. Maria received her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and she held a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. Maria is an inventor on more than 120 issued and pending patents.

Terrance G. McGuire

Co-Founder and General Partner, Polaris Venture Partners

Terry McGuire is a co-founder and general partner of Polaris Venture Partners based in the Boston office. Mr. McGuire focuses on life sciences investments. Prior to starting Polaris, Mr. McGuire spent seven years at Burr, Egan, Deleage & Co. investing in early-stage medical and information technology companies. Mr. McGuire has co-founded three companies: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, AIR (Advanced Inhalation Research, Inc.) and MicroCHIPS. Mr. McGuire represents Polaris on the boards of directors of Acceleron Pharma, Adimab, Arsenal Medical, deCODE Genetics, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Life Line Screening, MicroCHIPS, Pulmatrix, SustainX Energy Storage Solutions and Trevena. He has also served on the boards of Akamai, Aspect Medical Systems, Cubist Pharmaceuticals, GlycoFi, Transform Pharmaceuticals and Remon Medical Technologies. Mr. McGuire is chairman emeritus of the National Venture Capital Association. He chairs the board of overseers of the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, and serves on the boards of MIT’s David Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and the Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship at Harvard Business School. Mr. McGuire holds a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School, a Master of Science in engineering from The Thayer School at Dartmouth College and a Bachelor of Science in physics and economics from Hobart College. Mr. McGuire is a recipient of the 2009 Massachusetts Society for Medical Research Award and the 2005 Albert Einstein Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Life Sciences.

Terry McGuire is a co-founder and general partner of Polaris Venture Partners based in the Boston office. Mr. McGuire focuses on life sciences investments. Prior to starting Polaris, Mr. McGuire spent seven years at Burr, Egan, Deleage & Co. investing in early-stage medical and information technology companies. Mr. McGuire has co-founded three companies: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, AIR (Advanced Inhalation Research, Inc.) and MicroCHIPS. Mr. McGuire represents Polaris on the boards of directors of Acceleron Pharma, Adimab, Arsenal Medical, deCODE Genetics, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Life Line Screening, MicroCHIPS, Pulmatrix, SustainX Energy Storage Solutions and Trevena. He has also served on the boards of Akamai, Aspect Medical Systems, Cubist Pharmaceuticals, GlycoFi, Transform Pharmaceuticals and Remon Medical Technologies. Mr. McGuire is chairman emeritus of the National Venture Capital Association. He chairs the board of overseers of the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, and serves on the boards of MIT’s David Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and the Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship at Harvard Business School. Mr. McGuire holds a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School, a Master of Science in engineering from The Thayer School at Dartmouth College and a Bachelor of Science in physics and economics from Hobart College. Mr. McGuire is a recipient of the 2009 Massachusetts Society for Medical Research Award and the 2005 Albert Einstein Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Life Sciences.

Dennis Dougherty

Intersouth Partners

Since founding Intersouth in 1985, Dennis Dougherty has been active in all aspects of the venture investment process. He has served on dozens of boards of directors for both private and public companies. He is known for his experienced insight, consensus building and syndicate leadership.
Dennis has invested in and worked with portfolio companies through several economic cycles and has served as interim CEO when necessary. He has long been active in the venture industry having served on the board of directors of the National Venture Capital Association, on the Steering Committee for the Kauffman Fellows Program and as a mentor for two classes of Kauffman Fellows. He also served on the Board of the NC State University Seed Fund and the Governor’s Biotechnology Steering Committee. He was a founder of the highly successful Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) and the Chair of its first Venture Conference. In 2005, Mr. Dougherty was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Carolinas.
Prior to founding Intersouth, Mr. Dougherty was an office managing partner and head of the high growth business practice for Touche Ross & Co. Before entering finance and accounting, he was in sales and marketing for petrochemicals and polymers. He holds a B.A. from Oklahoma City University, where he was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, and where he served on the Board of Trustees for 8 years.

Since founding Intersouth in 1985, Dennis Dougherty has been active in all aspects of the venture investment process. He has served on dozens of boards of directors for both private and public companies. He is known for his experienced insight, consensus building and syndicate leadership.
Dennis has invested in and worked with portfolio companies through several economic cycles and has served as interim CEO when necessary. He has long been active in the venture industry having served on the board of directors of the National Venture Capital Association, on the Steering Committee for the Kauffman Fellows Program and as a mentor for two classes of Kauffman Fellows. He also served on the Board of the NC State University Seed Fund and the Governor’s Biotechnology Steering Committee. He was a founder of the highly successful Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) and the Chair of its first Venture Conference. In 2005, Mr. Dougherty was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Carolinas.
Prior to founding Intersouth, Mr. Dougherty was an office managing partner and head of the high growth business practice for Touche Ross & Co. Before entering finance and accounting, he was in sales and marketing for petrochemicals and polymers. He holds a B.A. from Oklahoma City University, where he was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, and where he served on the Board of Trustees for 8 years.

Guido Neels

Managing Director, EW Healthcare Partners

Guido Neels served as chief operating officer of Guidant Corporation, a world leader in the development of cardiovascular medical products, from May 2004 until his retirement in November 2005. Mr. Neels was responsible for the global operations of Guidant's four operating units: Cardiac Rhythm Management, Vascular Intervention, Cardiac Surgery and Endovascular Solutions. From December 2002 to May 2004, he was group chairman, office of the president at Guidant, responsible for worldwide sales operations, corporate communications, corporate marketing, investor relations and government relations. From January 2000 to December 2002, he was president of Guidant for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada. He previously served as vice president of global marketing for Vascular Intervention and as managing director for German and Central European operations. From 1982 to 1994, until Guidant was spun off as an independent public company from Eli Lilly and Co., Mr. Neels held various general management and sales and marketing positions at Lilly in the U.S. and Europe.

Guido Neels served as chief operating officer of Guidant Corporation, a world leader in the development of cardiovascular medical products, from May 2004 until his retirement in November 2005. Mr. Neels was responsible for the global operations of Guidant's four operating units: Cardiac Rhythm Management, Vascular Intervention, Cardiac Surgery and Endovascular Solutions. From December 2002 to May 2004, he was group chairman, office of the president at Guidant, responsible for worldwide sales operations, corporate communications, corporate marketing, investor relations and government relations. From January 2000 to December 2002, he was president of Guidant for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada. He previously served as vice president of global marketing for Vascular Intervention and as managing director for German and Central European operations. From 1982 to 1994, until Guidant was spun off as an independent public company from Eli Lilly and Co., Mr. Neels held various general management and sales and marketing positions at Lilly in the U.S. and Europe.